Feature: Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

Photos by Steve Babin Written by Suzanne Conway Interior Christmas Decor: Mark Ardin & Leslie Chittam from Hartlex Antiques Exterior Lighting: Christmas Decor by Butler Services

Beverly and Lou Weiner embody a contagious joie de vivre at their stately home.

Fantastically situated on the saddle point between Monte Sano and Round Top Hill, the Weiner property boasts expansive views of Jones Valley and The Space Center to the west, and Monte Sano and Dug Hill Valley to the east. Notwithstanding the vistas, the home itself is a holiday sight to behold. Bright lights outline the perimeter of this grand beauty, while smaller, twinkling lights dance through the generous garlands encircling the wide banister leading up the brick sidewalk to the warmly lit front door. Festive wreaths and bows abound. Walking up the beckoning path toward the home’s impressive entrance, you feel anticipation.

Once inside, the soothingly familiar tunes of Christmas carols waft through the air as the Weiners graciously guide guests through the ten thousand square foot, lovingly built manor house. Along the way, a multitude of Christmas and Hanukkah trees, painstakingly created by Leslie Chittam and Mark Ardin of Hartlex Antiques and Interiors, welcome diverse visitors. Gliding past the grand piano along the cool marble floors, the lovely decorations, warmth and joy imbue the air.

The multitude of objects d’art is staggering to behold. Museum worthy antiquities and treasures abound,

remarkable collections are artfully displayed, with family photos and mementos warming the inviting space. The couple joyfully tell stories of travel adventures and lucky acquisitions of their many rare finds.

A dashing portrait of Dr. Weiner by the incredibly talented Jerry Whitworth kindly watches over the expertly wood paneled library from above the imposing fireplace. The king’s chair in which he sits in the painting is a huge – yet truly comfortable – marvel that is a focal point of the room. The delightful, hand-carved turtle and leather footstool that accompanies it is an unusually perfect twist. An amply stocked bar holds court adjacent to a soothing fish tank, creating a peaceful place for an evening cocktail. And, in case you want to wander, the room boasts display cabinets containing ancient artifacts one might find in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo. The coffered ceiling, Tiffany lights and Art Deco sculptures complete the exclusive old world gentleman’s quarter vibe.

From the tri-colored marble floors inspired by a visit to a 14th century Italian castle, to the classic fountains and water features of the Mediterranean themed patio and pool, no detail has been missed. Dr. Weiner bought the house in 1992 and personally designed and built a formal addition in 2004-2006. His vision of a grandly scaled great hall, library and formal outdoor space offers countless entertaining possibilities. The rooms open onto the veranda and pool area, with luminescent lighting projected

into the water features. It is nothing less than magnificent. Dr. Weiner truly has a gift for seeing and understanding the importance of light.

Thus far, the Weiners have graciously hosted fundraising receptions for the UAH Music and Theatre Departments, The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Ted-Ex, and various religious organizations. Their belief in and commitment to our great city is evident in all they do. Not only have they generously offered their home, but they also give their valuable time to many important community causes.

Beverly is a retired teacher and librarian for Limestone County and has volunteered for the Huntsville Botanical Garden Guild, the Huntsville Museum of Art Guild, Children’s Advocacy Center and is a member of the Woman’s Philanthropy Society. Dr. Weiner is a co-founder of Delta Research, Inc. where he served as president until

five years ago when he transferred ownership to the employees, as was the plan from the inception of the company. He is still a full-time employee there. He sits on the UAH Engineering Advisory Board and is a member of various engineering research honor societies. He has also received awards from the U.S. government, engineering societies and the State of Israel.

While the home is filled with exotic, rare and gorgeous things, the discernible and unforgettable thing that permeates it all is quite simply, love. Love that makes you want to stay, and love you carry away with you. Love for tradition and family. Love for one another. Love for the remarkable opportunities to visit little known corners of the world. Love for the grandly cozy place they have created. Love for meaningful careers and volunteer opportunities they have been given. Love for numbers and books and history and knowledge. Love for fashion and design and fast cars and all things beautiful and meaningful. Love for strangers who soon become friends. Love that encompasses and embodies the true spirit of the holidays. n